A Torah Comes Home to Melbourne
This week, the Melbourne community participated in welcoming a new Sefer Torah dedicated in memory of the late Mrs. Miriam Althaus, whose life was devoted to teaching Torah.
by COLlive Editor · COLliveby Nicole Luba Kornhauser
This week, the Melbourne community was privileged to participate in a truly beautiful and uplifting occasion—the welcoming of a new Sefer Torah dedicated in memory of the late Mrs. Miriam Althaus obm, a remarkable woman whose life was devoted to teaching Torah. She gave of herself generously, sharing Hashem’s Torah with countless students without ever seeking recognition or reward. It was a fitting tribute to a woman who dedicated her life to spreading holiness and raising a beautiful family, whom we have the privilege of knowing personally.
The entire street was closed as the joyous procession began from Mooltan Avenue and made its way along Hotham Street. There was an unmistakable feeling of simcha in the air. Men, women and children walked together, singing, dancing and clapping with genuine happiness. It was a wonderful display of Jewish unity, celebrating not merely the completion of a Torah scroll, but the eternal gift of the Torah itself.
In today’s climate of increasing antisemitism this procession was living testimony to a thriving and vibrant Melbourne community. All ages of anash from bochrim to babies participated in this monumental simcha.
As the procession drew closer to the synagogue, the excitement only intensified. One particularly moving moment was when the Sifrei Torah from Yeshivah Shul were brought outside to greet the new Sefer Torah. It was such a powerful image. Holiness welcomes holiness. Kedusha is drawn to Kedusha. After months of loving work and dedication with every letter written in holiness and care this Torah was finding its home
As I held my little grandson, we played a simple game together. I asked him, “Does a Torah belong in the park?” He smiled and answered, “No.” “Does a Torah belong in the street?” Again he replied, “No.” We continued until I asked, “Where does a Torah belong?” His face lit up as he answered, “In shul.” It was a beautiful reminder that while the Torah travels among us, its true home is within the shul and, even more importantly, within our hearts.
Inside the shul, the atmosphere was electric. The verses of Ata Horiesah were joyfully proclaimed followed by hakafos as the congregation danced around the bimah seven times, welcoming the Torah with boundless enthusiasm. The women watched with joy as the men danced with heartfelt energy, and everyone shared in the profound sense that we were witnessing a significant moment in Melbourne’s Jewish history.
It was far more than the dedication of a Torah scroll. It was a celebration of faith, continuity and community—a testament to the enduring legacy of Mrs. Miriam Althaus and to the timeless bond between the Jewish people and the Torah. May this Sefer Torah continue to inspire generations to come, just as Mrs. Althaus inspired so many throughout her lifetime.
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